Trailer Lighting Module Fault

[dadbaker]

2026 Maverick. Recently took my utility trailer to Lowes. About a mile into drive the Trailer Lighting Module Fault appeared. Checked lights and indeed Rt side light was out. These are LED lights I installed 4 months ago. Came home, checked wiring, ground and plug then hooked up trailer to our 2015 F150 and the lights working normally. Hooked back up to the Maverick and after a few minutes the Fault appears again. Additional note, recently rear s occupant sensor has started malfunctioning. Shows someone there when its vacant. Damn seatbelt alarm goes off. Have to fasten belts to stop it. Took it to Ford. dealership said they reset and working fine. No its not. Now this. Less than 1200 miles on it. Very disappointing. Our 5th Ford in 15 years from this dealership

Anyone else having issues?

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[Cancunbadlands]

It's a known issue
Recall Campaigns: Ford Recall 26C10 / NHTSA Recall 26V104

If this failure occurs, drivers will see a "Trailer brake module fault" pop-up message on the instrument cluster, accompanied by rapid flashing of the turn signal telltale and potentially a "Blind Spot Assist System fault" message.

Ford provides a software update to re-program the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM/TRM) and eliminate the communication bug.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

If you frequently tow or want to clear the potential fault, check your specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA Recalls Lookup tool or through your Ford account app to confirm if your vehicle has an open campaign pending, and schedule the update with your dealer or ensure your vehicle's automatic software updates are enabled.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 24N08 covering certain 2022–2024 Maverick models (as well as some Bronco Sports and Escapes)

The sensor wire inside the driver's side seat belt buckle can potentially break, which can trigger an airbag warning light on your instrument cluster.

Dealers or mobile service technicians inspect the system for specific diagnostic codes. If the code indicates a broken sensor wire, the driver's side seat belt buckle is replaced free of charge.

 

[MaverickDragon]

There is a big difference between the 2014 and 2026 electrical systems.
Because it works in the '14 doesn't mean it's fine for the '26.

I didn't have the issues that you note, but I had the software update to "correct" the trailer problem.
You likely had the software update done, but it's easy to check as was noted.
I think it more likely that your trailer's LED light is the issue, as the error you are getting sounds like the LED bulb may be causing it.

LEDs use less energy than the monitoring system expects, so LED lights sometimes require a resistor install to prevent operational issues unless they are noted as "CANbus compatible".

If you swap the trailer lights side to side and the opposite side has the issue, it's your trailer bulb.

As to the rear seat belt warning, if you place a heavy enough item on the seat, you will get the warning. The sensor can't tell the difference between a heavy item on the seat vs. someone's seat on the seat. If the seat is empty, it's likely a sensor problem which is a warranty fix.

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